“God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation” (Hebrews 2:10 NLT).
God is both the cause and the object of all things. For all things were made by Him and for Him. This is the truth that moved Augustine of Hippo to write, “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.”
It is our sin that has separated us from God, making our hearts restless. But God so loved us, that He sent Jesus to make a perfect sacrifice for our salvation. Redeeming those who believe in Him by His blood, so that we are now called children of God. So we hear Christ’s invitation anew, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we give You thanks for sending Jesus to suffer and die in our place, so that we might be made right with You and be adopted as Your children. We are overcome by the love You have for us. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit that we might love one another as You have loved us. In Jesus’ name, amen.